Jeddah: UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli registered their first win after defeating Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad Club 1-0 in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 tie at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Tuesday. Saeid Ezatolahi’s first-half header earned Paulo Sousa’s side the three points, having drawn 1-1 with Tractor FC in their opening match while Al Ittihad suffered their second consecutive defeat, having gone down 2-1 to Al Wahda FC two weeks ago.
According to Emirates News Agency, both sides had great chances in the closing embers of the match. Shabab Al Ahli custodian Hamad Al Meqbaali was lucky to escape after mishandling substitute Ahmed Al Ghamdi’s effort from the right, which hit the post before going out of play. On the other hand, Rajkovic produced a strong hand to deny Yahya Al Ghassani.
Shabab Al Ahli will next host PFC Nasaf on October 21, while Al Ittihad will aim to turn their fortunes around when they travel to face Iraq’s Al Shorta.